Description
About Grand Seiko SBGY043
Grand Seiko Elegance Collection
A Spring Drive classic with an exquisite “Iwao Blue” dial
This model’s dial combines two distinctive elements: the color of deepest indigo, known as katsuiro, the product of developments in indigo dyeing techniques in Japan, and a dynamic pattern known as Iwao. The bracelet, which consists of a series of detailed, rounded links, perfectly fits the slim and gentle curvature of the case, moving with the wrist to produce a subtle shimmer. The movement powering this watch is the Spring Drive Caliber 9R31, which uses the Dual Spring Barrel to deliver a power reserve of 72 hours when fully wound. Its exquisite finishing is visible through the exhibition case-back, along with the power reserve indicator.
A dial pattern born of creative engraving techniques
Katsuiro, the deep color achieved through the art of indigo dyeing, was once preferred by the samurai as an auspicious hue, used to adorn their armor and other clothing. The Iwao (rock) pattern is the outcome of engraving techniques employed by craftspeople. It represents the natural grandeur of untouched rock faces as well as the passion and expertise of those who harness the natural strength of rocks through quarrying. When combined with the beautifully deep indigo color, a powerful expression is born.
A dress watch of refined elegance and striking definition
The watch’s form was created specifically to house a slim movement. Flexibility and tension combine, allowing light to play across a subtle ridgeline. Thanks to Zaratsu polishing, its elegant surface is reminiscent of a polished jewel. The sapphire crystal features a unique domed shape that effectively uses the refractive properties of light, adding a refined nuance to the dial. While following the Grand Seiko Style, the case also presents a curved form not found in other collections. This creates a dignified atmosphere that suits a refined style of dress beautifully. The bracelet was designed to harmonize with the case. Its nine delicate rows emit a beautiful shimmer when they move along with the wrist. Through its intricate construction, this bracelet delivers a comfortable fit that makes it feel as if it were a part of the wrist.
Caliber 9R31
A manual-winding Spring Drive movement made in the Shinshu Watch Studio, Grand Seiko’s Caliber 9R31 uses the innovative Dual Spring Barrel, which contains two mainsprings set in parallel to deliver a power reserve of 72 hours.
About Spring Drive
Spring Drive is Seiko’s exclusive movement that achieves an unprecedented level of accuracy (+/- 15 seconds per month on average, equivalent to +/- 1 second per day) by regulating a spring-driven watch with state-of-the-art electronic technology that functions without batteries or other external power source.
As in conventional mechanical watches, the sole power source of Spring Drive is a mainspring that can be wound by the motion of an oscillating weight or by winding the crown. And just as in mechanical watches, the mainspring drives a series of gears that rotate the hour, minute and second hands. A rotor, connected to the end of these gears, generate a small electrical charge that activates an electronic circuit and quartz oscillator.
The Tri-synchro regulator is a unique speed controller for Spring Drive that replaces the escapement, which is a mechanical speed control device used in almost all conventional mechanical watches. The Tri-synchro regulator moves the second hand in a smooth motion, without ticking and with extreme accuracy.
Some 80% of the components in a Spring Drive caliber are the same as those in a luxury mechanical watch. Spring Drive is a movement powered by a spring, just like a mechanical watch, with a different kind of regulator and combines the long-lasting autonomy of a mechanical watch with the precision that, until now, only electronic watches could provide.
To ensure reliable and accurate operation, all these parts need to be manufactured to the highest standards of precision, and assembling them requires superior craftsmanship.
The development of the Spring Drive movement caliber 9R was made possible because Seiko is one of the very few manufactures with expertise in both mechanical and quartz watches.
Since the first Grand Seiko Spring Drive in 2004, new movements have been created with even more complex mechanisms–including the GMT in 2005 and chronograph with GMT in 2007. Showing that with the Spring Drive caliber 9R, time never loses momentum.
Grand Seiko SBGY043 Features
- 30 jewels
- See through screw case back
- Power reserve indicator
Grand Seiko SBGY043 History
Prior to 1960, to challenge the status of Swiss watches and change the perception of Japanese watches, Daini Seikosha and Suwa began the discussion of a product line that can match the quality of Swiss watches under the suggestion of the parent company. At the time, Suwa Seikosha Co. was in charge of manufacturing men’s watches, so it was decided that Suwa would be producing the first Grand Seiko (GS).
The first Grand Seiko was released in 1960, it was based on Seiko’s previous high-end watch, CROWN. This Grand Seiko has a 25-jewel, manual-winding, 3180 caliber, and only 36,000 units were produced. This was also the first chronometer-grade watch manufactured in Japan, and it was based on Seiko’s own chronometer standard.
Design style
The design language of the Grand Seiko was set in 1967, with the creation of Grand Seiko 44GS. The 44GS set the ground for all future Grand Seiko with nine elements. These elements help improve the legibility of the watch under different situations, and create a sharp, crisp visual impression:
- Double width index at 12 o’clock
- Multi-faceted rectangular markers
- Highly polished bezel
- Highly polished planes and two-dimensional surface
- Half recessed crown
- Flat dial
- Multi-faceted hour and minute hands
- Curved side line
- Reverse slanted bezel wall and case side
- Dress style with simple but beautiful design
- Zaratsu polishing
source : wikipedia
